How Bolton Wanderers have fared on the opening day in recent years

Ian Evatt’s men will be looking to start strongly in their return to the third tier following last season’s thrilling promotion.

But how have the Whites faired on the opening day in recent years? Here is a list of their last 10 results from gameweek one.

Wanderers 0 Forest Green 1 (2020/21)

Last season, Wanderers kicked off their League Two campaign with a narrow defeat to Forest Green at the UniBol.

Carl Winchester got the only goal with a powerful strike in the second half. It was the first time the sides had ever faced each other.

Thankfully, it wasn’t a sign of things to come as Ian Evatt’s men went on to clinch automatic promotion in a memorable campaign.

Wycombe Wanderers 2 Wanderers 0 (2019/20)

The Whites kicked off the 2019/29 season with a loss against Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.

Phil Parkinson's side travelled to the game with only three contracted senior outfield players, while Sharon Brittan was in attendance ahead of the Football Ventures' takeover.

Paul Smyth opened the scoring from outside the area before Fred Onyedinma headed home inside the final 10 minutes.

West Brom 1 Wanderers 2 (2018/19)

The last time Wanderers kicked off their league campaign with a win was in 2018/19 on a memorable trip to the Hawthorns.

Josh Magennis put the Whites in front with a clinical header from Sammy Ameobi’s cross, but the hosts drew level through Harvey Barnes.

It looked like the points would be shared until Yanic Wildschut steered past Sam Johnstone with two minutes to go, sending the away end into raptures.

Wanderers 2 Leeds United 3 (2017/18)

Wanderers began the 2017/18 Championship season with a narrow defeat in a five-goal thriller at the UniBol.

Goals from Kalvin Phillips and Chris Wood put the visitors in a commanding position, but the Whites pulled one back through Gary Madine.

Phillips restored Leeds’ two-goal cushion before Adam Le Fondre scored from the penalty spot, as the hosts came up short despite a valiant effort.

Wanderers 1 Sheffield United 0 (2016/17)

The Whites haven’t won at home on the opening day since the 2016/17 campaign, when they edged a tight game against Sheffield United.

Jay Spearing got the decisive goal, finding the bottom corner from outside the box eight minutes before the break.

The win set the tone for a successful season as Wanderers returned to the second tier at the first time of asking.

Wanderers 0 Derby County 0 (2015/16)

The points were shared as Wanderers and Derby County played out a goalless draw at the UniBol to kick off the 2015/16 season.

The hosts hit the woodwork three times through Emile Heskey and Gary Madine, while Chris Martin and Andreas Weimann went close for the visitors.

Jay Spearing was given his marching orders inside the final five minutes.

Watford 3 Wanderers 0 (2014/15)

The 2014/15 campaign began with an afternoon to forget for Wanderers as Watford ran out 3-0 winners at Vicarage Road.

Troy Deeney opened the scoring with a clever finish over Andy Lonergan, before Matej Vydra doubled the Hornets’ lead with a ruthless finish from inside the box.

Fernando Forestieri added a third less than a minute after coming off the bench after getting in behind the Bolton defence.

Burnley 1 Wanderers 1 (2013/2014)

Wanderers kicked off the 2013/2014 season with a 1-1 draw against Burnley after an entertaining clash at Turf Moor.

Danny Ings opened the scoring for the hosts with a scrappy finish, before Darren Pratley fired the Whites level.

The game was one of six opening-day fixtures featuring two founder members as the Football League celebrated its 125th anniversary.

Burnley 2 Wanderers 0 (2012/13)

Owen Coyle’s return to Turf Moor didn’t go to plan as the Whites were beaten 2-0 by their Lancashire neighbours.

Martin Paterson put Burnley in front from close range after a goalmouth scramble, before Charlie Austin added a second after the break.

Coyle was sacked several months later, with Dougie Freedman taking charge at the UniBol.

QPR 0 Wanderers 4 (2011/12)

Wanderers got the 2011/12 campaign off to a flying start with an emphatic 4-0 win over QPR at Loftus Road.

Gary Cahill broke the deadlock with a brilliant strike from 25 yards before Chris Eagles’ free-kick went in via a deflection off Danny Gabbidon.

The Whites extended their lead when Ivan Klasnic’s went in off Bradley Orr, and Fabrice Muamba wrapped up the win with a composed finish with 11 minutes to go.